Harry is the only Dandie entered. There are 81 types of Dachshunds and 50 Rhodesian ridgebacks.

Among those also trying for the top trophy: a spry boxer named “Some Like it Hot” or “Marilyn,” a precious Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and a charming toy poodle.

Among those missing: Vivi, the award-winning whippet who bolted from her crate at Kennedy Airport last February, dashed across the tarmac at 25 mph and disappeared into the chilly night.

She escaped a day after Westminster, right before a flight back home to California, and search parties immediately went looking for her. Members of Team Vivi were even out this week after a potential sighting.

Bo Bengston, Vivi’s breeder, has been to Westminster more than 30 times. He’ll be back at the Garden this week.

“It’s going to be very traumatic,” he said. “There are so many reminders of her.”

Rufus, the colored bull terrier who was head of the class last year because of his perfect, football-sized noggin, has retired. But the champ may return for a look around.

“He loves the attention,” owner Barbara Bishop said. “He’ll sometimes sit on my bed at home and watch his past shows on TV. If there’s another dog on the screen, he doesn’t seem to care. When it’s him, he watches.”

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

Judges will pick their favorites based on how well dogs match up to the breed standard. Winners in the working, terrier, toy and nonsporting groups Monday night will advance to face the winners in the sporting, hound and herding groups Tuesday night.

While golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, beagles, Dalmatians and Dachshunds are among the most popular purebred dogs in the country, don’t look for any of them to advance far in the judging. None has ever won best in show at the Westminster.

That won’t stop people from rooting for them, however.

“The crowd at the Garden tends to cheer for the people’s dog,” Frei said.

MORE FROM DOG SHOW

Doggone good day for best in show winner

Doggone good day for best in show winner   Slideshow: Westminster Dog Show scenes Robins: Once best in show, always best in show   Slideshow: Past Westminster winners   Slideshow: 2008 Westminster Dog Show   Add Dog Show headlines to your news reader: